Navigating medical tests and procedures can sometimes feel overwhelming. At SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehab, we are committed to not just your health, but also your understanding of the processes we use to keep you in top shape. One such important diagnostic tool is the echocardiogram. Let's break down what it is, how it works, and what your echocardiogram results might mean. What is an Echocardiogram? An echocardiogram, often referred to as an "echo," is a non-invasive test that ... [Read More]
Echocardiogram Testing
The Function of Echocardiography in Heart Failure
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart failure affects roughly 6.2 million Americans and claims approximately 659,000 lives every year. Echocardiography – a noninvasive diagnostic tool that uses high-frequency sound waves to obtain valuable information about the heart’s function and structures – provides a cornerstone for the detection and effective management of heart failure. Echocardiography boasts remarkable specificity (88 percent), ... [Read More]
How to Read an Echocardiogram?
Heart disease almost always heralds more health problems down the road if not well-managed. So, identifying the issues at an early stage is of significance. An echocardiogram is a valuable tool for diagnosing heart conditions, such as heart damage and disease. It reveals important information about your heart, including its structure and functionality. Let’s talk about the functional mechanism of an echocardiogram and where you can go around Irmo, SC, for diagnosing your heart ... [Read More]
Who Should Be Screened For Heart Disease
Heart disease, also called cardiovascular disease, is an umbrella term that describes a range of heart and blood vessel-related disorders. Hearts disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Early detection of heart disease can prevent complications such as stroke, heart failure, and kidney disorders. While everyone should be screened for cardiovascular conditions, the adult population above age 40 is at higher risk of suffering from heart disease and needs regular screening. Read on ... [Read More]
Reasons To Get A Cardiac Test
There are many tests used to measure cardiac function. Among the most common cardiac assessment tools are the echocardiogram, cardiac stress test, and Holter monitor. An echocardiogram is used to evaluate the size of the heart chambers and check for a thickening of the walls. A cardiac stress test monitors breathing and blood pressure while the heart is at rest and during exercise. During the test, you’ll get on a treadmill or stationary bike (radioactive dye may be used to visualize blood ... [Read More]
